Smile Insights: Empowering Informed Orthodontic Care

The AAO’s Retainer Care Guide offers essential tips on keeping your retainer clean and well-maintained to protect both your oral health and the results of your orthodontic treatment. Proper care ensures your retainer lasts longer and keeps your smile in its ideal position.

Braces may cause a brief adjustment period, but they do not typically cause lasting speech changes. In fact, untreated orthodontic issues are more likely to lead to speech problems over time.

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices used after braces or aligners to maintain teeth in their new positions. Without them, teeth can gradually shift back to their original alignment.

A payment plan for orthodontic treatment may consist of a down payment with the remainder paid monthly for 12 to 24 months—often interest-free.

Mewing, a technique that has gone “viral” online, is the movement of flattening your tongue against the roof of your mouth in an attempt to define your jawline. Proponents claim it can even realign teeth and improve overall facial aesthetics. Sounds too good to be true, right?

Remember, you are a partner in the process and your oral health care doesn’t end between visits. Here are a few tips for caring for your smile between orthodontic visits.